The City of Cleveland, Cleveland Division of Police, the Department of Justice, the Monitoring Team, and the Cleveland Community Police Commission have now come to the point in the police reform process where it is time for community feedback on the CPD’s revised Use of Force policies. We are collectively hosting two community roundtables, one on the Eastside and one on the Westside, each covering the same content. You are invited to attend one of the roundtables:

If you are interested in attending a community roundtable, pleas use the RSVP links above or send an RSVP to the Monitoring Team at info@clevelandpolicemonitor.com. The roundtables will include an overview of the Use of Force policy, with an opportunity for small group discussions for community members to inform the policies.

The policy is not complete or finalized. It reflects CPD’s efforts to date to create a policy that conforms to the requirements of the Consent Decree. None of the Court, Monitor, City, or Department of Justice have yet approved the policies. The policies are likely to change further as community feedback is incorporated. Regardless, the development of the policies is far enough along that community input is timely and necessary.

You are invited to read the policy by going to the Monitoring Team’s website. You may also engage in the process by using our online community feedback form to submit any thoughts on the policy by visiting the Monitoring Team’s website.

We hope you strongly consider being part of this important conversation about how we can work together to create a Use of Force Policy consistent with the goals and interests of the Cleveland community.

This outreach is a part of our ongoing effort to engage the Cleveland community in the police reform process. Earlier this year, we sought community input on the Cleveland Division of Police body-worn camera policy, the mission statement, and several other key policies. On behalf of the Cleveland Police Monitoring Team, We want to thank everyone who participated for their engagement with and contributions to the discussion surrounding police reform under the federal Consent Decree in Cleveland.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Use of Force Policy and seeing you at one of the community roundtables.